Hedgehunter could run again this month

Hedgehunter could run again this season despite suffering a heavy fall in the Martell Cognac Grand National at Aintree yesterday.

Willie Mullins’ charge led for much of the four-and-a-half-mile contest under David Casey before coming to grief at the last fence.

The eight-year-old was on the ground for a while after the spill but he eventually got to his feet and is reported to be none the worse for the mishap.

“He’s good this morning. He arrived back and tucked into his food. He was just winded but he seems to be in good form,” said Mullins.

“Hedgehunter pulled off the lorry fine, Alexander Banquet (who fell at the 18th) is a bit stiff but he usually is after his races so I’m pleased with both of them this morning.”

Mullins is now considering the options for Hedgehunter who was sent off as an 11-1 chance for the National.

The Betfred Gold Cup at Sandown on April 24 is a possibility for both runners but Mullins may also look at the Punchestown Festival which starts on April 27.

“Both horses are in the Betfred Gold Cup at Sandown along with Rule Supreme, who I think will probably go there, and we still have Punchestown which is just over three weeks away and would give us a good break,” Mullins explained.

“We will have to see how they come out of the race but Hedgehunter had a long break before the race and he could take another outing.”

Hedgehunter could also bid for the Aintree race again next year as Mullins feels he put in a very promising run.

He added: “He was a bit tired at the last but I think that was probably because he had been up there in the front and you do so much more there.

“It looks like he can handle the course so we may go back there but employ different tactics next time.”